The amount of checkoff money refunded by Alberta Beef Producers jumped again last year but this time, the increase was from payments to cow-calf producers.
The organization refunded $3.24 million in 2021, up from $3.04 million the year before, according to the financial statements in ABP’s just-released annual report.
Although feedlots account for the vast majority of that sum (78 per cent last year), their refunds actually fell by $107,000. That was more than offset by the $703,000 refunded to cow-calf producers (versus $375,000 in 2020).
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The provincial checkoff is $2 per head but about a third of what’s collected is refunded. A similar amount goes to ABP and most of the remainder goes to the Canadian Cattle Association.
There’s also a $2.50 non-refundable federal levy, most of which goes to Canada Beef and the Beef Cattle Research Council.